Handled my first CRK today and Wow!!

Allen R.

Allen R.

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Nov 1, 2011
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Like the title says I went about 80 miles away from home today and stopped at a knife shop, and I handled all kinds of knives, but I had to handle the CRKs to see what all the fuss was about, First was the umnumzaan and man I was in love, then the sebenza 25, It was nice but man I love the Zaan , Then I handled the regular sebenza both large and small , And I now know what a perfect knife is, Of all of them I was least impressed with the small sebenza it wasn't as smooth as the large , or the zaan, but for it's size you get a decent amount of blade. I've heard people say that Striders were hardcore knives and CRKs are gentleman knives, Well I gotta say I disagree, now that I have handled the knife I know what perfection is and I must have one now! I would of dropped the cash for it right then and there but the mark up was ridiculous. I dunno why I made this post but I for sure see what all the fuss is about. I will have an Umnumzaan soon. for sure.
 
I have never handled an Umnum. But having handled my share of Sebenzas I agree totally with on the feeling of a CRK knife.
 
Very nice. I have really wanted to try and snag a 25 They sell out practically instantly. Would you mind PM'ing me the store? I think I may know.
 
they don't sell knives online, but PM sent, They had 1 25 and a bunch of unique graphic ones or annuals whatever they are called, but man that umnumzaan is awesome. The Sebenza is nice too but IMO the umnumzaan is king of the hill.
 
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It is a great knife.
Only reason I won't buy one is because I am afraid of losing the rubber O-rings.

I spoke with the good people at CRK, and they have no problem replacing them, but I still think it would be a hassle for me.
 
I finally got an umnumzaan, and it does not disappoint! Losing The rubber rings become an afterthought after you have used it for awhile. It kicked my sebenza out for weekend carry.
 
A store like that sounds like a great time. I've been to alot of knife shows, but I've never been in a store that sold CRK's.
I like their folders better than any others and prefer the Sebenza over the Zaan. Both great knives.
 
the store had custom microtechs custom hinderers , every knife brand you could think of , snody customs, randall knives, it was literally a knife mecca.
 
I just traded my 2nd Sebenza off. By no means because I don't like them but rather they are the best production trade bait out there! I know I can always get another and their consistent desire makes them as good as or better than cash. They have allowed me to try other mid-techs without shelling out cash. I really appreciate the quality of these knives and I have never personally experienced a defect in manufacturing. Aside from the fantastic F&F, the blade shape is pure classic & functional. Some day I may need to find out what the insignio might have on the clip point?
 
I got to handle my first at blade show...and I must agree, the design isn't the most extravagant, but it's certainly elegant in its simplicity. And man, I really want a 25:o
 
I must be weird but I liked the 21 better than the 25, they had the small sebenzas on sale for 330, and I was about to drop the cash but the action wasn't smooth and the lock was sticky, on every one of them I fondled, the large 21 and 25 were perfect, but the smalls weren't, otherwise I'd be posting pics of my new small sebbie...and the fact that the guy behind the counter offered to buy my Brand spanking new spyderco military in my pocket for 70 bucks , when the same model was in the case beside me was selling for $159.99, that made me laugh in his face and walk out.
 
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Allen R. said:
I must be weird but I liked the 21 better than the 25, they had the small sebenzas on sale for 330, and I was about to drop the cash but the action wasn't smooth and the lock was sticky, on every one of them I fondled, the large 21 and 25 were perfect, but the smalls weren't, otherwise I'd be posting pics of my new small sebbie...
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I also prefer the Regular/Classic/21's over the 25.
 
RetiredGuns said:
I just traded my 2nd Sebenza off. By no means because I don't like them but rather they are the best production trade bait out there! I know I can always get another and their consistent desire makes them as good as or better than cash. They have allowed me to try other mid-techs without shelling out cash. I really appreciate the quality of these knives and I have never personally experienced a defect in manufacturing. Aside from the fantastic F&F, the blade shape is pure classic & functional. Some day I may need to find out what the insignio might have on the clip point?
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I heard the same about Striders but apparently that isn't true about them now CRKs on the other hand they always sell or at least the ones I've seen have.
 
Had the 25 for about a month before selling it off (thank God for tax returns). It was just too nice, I was afraid of messing it up. Feel like I jumped in the deep end too soon. I'll probably grab a 21 or an Umnum eventually.
 
I love the Sebenza but I skipped right over it straight to the Michael Raymond Estrella. Now I'm not sure if I could move down to a Sebenza after seeing the top of the mountain (IMHO).

The large carbon fiber insingo still echoes in the back of my brain though...
 
cncpro11 said:
It is a great knife.
Only reason I won't buy one is because I am afraid of losing the rubber O-rings.

I spoke with the good people at CRK, and they have no problem replacing them, but I still think it would be a hassle for me.
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I've never worried about losing the O-rings--they aren't going to come off unless you really want them to. Mine started to dry rot and CRK mailed me two new sets at no charge.
 
Cynic2701 said:
I've never worried about losing the O-rings--they aren't going to come off unless you really want them to. Mine started to dry rot and CRK mailed me two new sets at no charge.
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Thanks for the info, I've never heard of the o-rings coming off, mainly just me being paranoid.

My little guy wanted me to buy one at Blade this year, it really is a great looking knife and is very solid and comfortable. I opted for the 25 instead.
There might be one in my future, who knows.
 
Yup, they're nice. Really nice. My only caveat with CRK is the blade steel. The s35vn at 58-59 isn't necessarily all bad, since it sharpens up so easily, but I'd MUCH prefer something a little higher end or at least a harder heat treat. It's not so much about absolute maximum edge retention, I'd just like to be able to thin the edge out quite a bit and maintain stability. As it stands now, go anywhere below 30 degrees inclusive and edge retention goes out the window fast.
 
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